Once you get your hands on Rift, and just create a character, and see how well it plays DESPITE being so graphically rich and intense, you realize how OLD World of Warcraft looks.

Here’s a screenshot of my level 27 Warrior. He’s not wearing an armor set, but parts of two sets I believe. At 27 he’s just a tad bit over the half-way point to the current level cap of 50. But check out how good it looks:

Now six years ago, back in 2005, I had a Warrior in World of Warcraft. I posted a little story about Oddity getting his Whirlwind Axe. He was level 30 at the time, also half way to the level cap of 60 at the time. Here is what he looked like in the character select screen:

You need to bear in mind I was wearing some nice gear for his level at the time. My main was an “MC Raider” and had access to some decent things.

Sadly, this would be exactly how he’d look today, if he were level 30 again. Oh, they’ve added some “sets” now. Provided you do all the quests you’re supposed to do. And don’t find the odd looking piece that’s actually better anyway.

Point is, it’s time for World of Warcraft 2. Or the next thing Blizzard is going to bring out. And the bar is set for what it ought to look like with regards to graphical quality. Lightning bolts, raging ghostly shovelhorns, and demon wings are okay (amazingly wicked at the time) but it got to all feeling dated.

Another expansion of more of the same can’t possibly be greeted as a second coming.